PLATTSBURGH — Richard "Bull" N. Durham Sr., 76, from Plattsburgh, N.Y. passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 at CVPH Medical Center.
He was born August 29, 1936 in Ogdensburg, N.Y. the son of Nayef and Yvette (Rochefort) Durham.
Richard graduated from Franklin Academy in Malone, N.Y. He served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1962. After being honorably discharged from the service he was involved in several family business ventures including Gene's Busy Corner, Napoleon's, and Angelo's restaurants in downtown Plattsburgh. He also served as an Officer with Durham Exchange from 1968 to 1995. Richard began working at the Plattsburgh Housing Authority in 1964 starting in Tenant Relations and was appointed as Executive Director in 1979 until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure he attended Plattsburgh State University and obtained a Bachelor's degree.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 20, Knights of Columbus, Council 255 and a Lifetime Member of the Plattsburgh Elks Lodge 621. Richard enjoyed watching and playing golf.
He was predeceased by his parents as well as his wife Rita.
Richard is survived by his beloved companion Carol Pfister; his four children, Laurie Durham and her companion Daniel Lashway, Diana Durham, Richard Durham Jr. and his wife Michele, Cynthia Jennings and her companion Steven Goddeau, all of Plattsburgh; seven grandchildren, Brianne Williamson, Justin Williamson, Gene Lucia, Melisa Lucia, Nicholas Lucia, Lucien and Christen Durham; four great- grandchildren, Peyton Viau, Kayla, Hunter and Isabella Lucia; three brothers, Nayef G. Durham Sr. of Plattsburgh and his wife Pauline of Keeseville, Robert Durham and his wife Rita and David Durham and his wife Donna. His extended family includes Steven Pfister and his wife Julie of Alexandria, Va., their children, Steven Jr., Johnny and Kirsten, Scott Pfister and his wife Belita of W.Va.; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh.
Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Plattsburgh Elks Lodge.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 561-3980. On line condolences and memorial candles may be offered at http://www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com
